First aid kit and method of replenishing

ABSTRACT

The first aid kit of the present invention includes a case  12  which includes means for providing quick access to the contents carried by the case  12.  The case  12  further provides, on the inside, a plurality of compartments  37  arranged in sequence to obtain a card catalogue/file cabinet-like effect. Contained in the sequential compartments  37  are packs  40  which are specifically designed with products appropriate for a particular first aid situation. The first aid kit  10  further provides an instruction booklet  46  which contains detailed instructions regarding the products contained in each pack  40  as well as instructions on use of the products for different types of first aid situations. The first aid kit further includes an overview card  50  which is an overview of the components of the first aid kit  10,  identifying each of the packs  40,  for quick reference in a first aid situation. Finally, each of the packs  40  contains medical products specifically selected for different types of first aid situations as well as an instructional card  73  which gives quick reference instructions for administration of first aid in these situations.

[0001] This is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/326,837 that is, in turn, a Continuation Application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/009,216, filed Jan. 20, 1998.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates in general to first aid kits and,in particular, to a first aid kit which is adaptable to a plurality offirst aid environments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The use of kits containing a select number of productsappropriate for use in first aid conditions is known in the art.Typically, such kits consist of a small container into which productspredicted to be applicable to a wide variety of first aid situations areincluded. A drawback of such kits, however, is that certain supplies ofmedical products found in such kits typically are used up afteraddressing a single first aid condition. An additional drawback is thatno clear cut product usage instructions or resupply directions aredelineated for the user. Thus, often the user must purchase a new kitafter each use for a first aid condition. This results in the wastefulaccumulation of unused products provided in the kit but not utilized inthe first aid condition.

[0004] In an effort to alleviate such waste, manufacturers have targetedfirst aid kits for different applications, such as for automobiletravel, boating, camping, and the like. With these kits, medicalsupplies which are predicted to be more specifically suited for thetypes of injuries likely to occur in these environments are included.However, these specifically designed kits suffer from the same drawbacksin that, after one first aid situation is encountered, the kits arereplaced.

[0005] What would thus be advantages would be for a first aid kit whichwas adapted for use in a wide variety of different types of first aidsituations. Such a kit would also appeal to a diversity of users by easein selection and usage of the supplies. Such a kit would appeal to adiversity of users by ease in selection and usage of the instructions.Such a kit would also enable the user to replenish the kit after a firstaid situation is encountered without the need to buy a new kit. Suchfirst aid kit would provide quick access to the appropriate medicalproduct for a given type of first aid condition. Such kit would furtherprovide quick access to information regarding different first aidsituations so that the users could appropriate and properly use thesupplies found in the kit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a first aid kit which is adaptedfor use in a wide variety of different types of first aid situations.The present invention provides a first aid kit which appeals to adiversity of users by ease in selection and usage of the supplies. Thepresent invention provides a first aid kit which appeals to a diversityof users by ease in selection and usage of the instructions. The presentinvention provides a first aid kit which also enables the user toreplenish the kit after a first aid situation is encountered without theneed to buy a new kit. The present invention provides a first aid kitwhich allows quick access to the appropriate medical product for a giventype of first aid condition. The present invention provides a first aidkit which allows quick access to information regarding different firstaid situations so that the users can appropriate and properly use theproducts.

[0007] The first aid kit of the present invention includes a carryingcase which includes means for providing quick access to the contentscarried by the case. The carrying case further provides, on the inside,a plurality of compartments arranged in sequence to obtain a cardcatalogue/file cabinet-like effect. Contained in the sequentialcompartments are first aid packs which are specifically designed withproducts and instructions appropriate for a particular first aidsituation. The first aid kit further provides an instruction bookletwhich contains detailed instructions regarding the products contained ineach pack as well as instructions on use of the products for differenttypes of first aid situations. The first aid kit further includes anoverview card which includes an overview of the components of the firstaid kit, identifying each of the packs, for quick reference in a firstaid condition. Finally, each of the packs contains medical productsspecifically selected for different types of first aid situations aswell as an instructional card which gives quick reference instructionsfor administration of assistance in these situations.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of thepacks is designated a color for a first aid situation which is differentthan the colors designated for other first aid situations. Additionally,the guidebook is color coordinated with the packs such that the detailedfirst aid instructions are found on pages which have borders matchingthe color of the pack. Finally, the overview card is likewise colorcoordinated to assist the user in quickly finding the appropriate packfor the type of first aid situation encountered.

[0009] In still a further preferred embodiment, in addition to colorcoordinating the packs, each pack is designated by a unique icon whichis recognizable in any language. Again, the icons are utilized withinthe detailed guidebook as well as the first aid kit overview.Additionally, the instructional cards contained in the packs as well asthe detailed instructions contained in the guidebook are set forth ingraphical depictions to guide the user in the use of the medicalproducts in the type of first aid situation encountered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first aid kit made in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first aid kit of FIG. 1showing a user opening the first aid kit for access to the contents.

[0012]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the contents and orientation of afirst aid kit made in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention.

[0013]FIG. 4 is an exemplary card made in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one of the packs of the first aidkit of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another of the packs of the firstaid kit of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the extras pack of the first aid kitof FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] Referring first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a first aid kit10 made in accordance with the principles of the present invention isseen. The first aid kit 10 is carried in a case 12 which has a top 14and a base 16 having a bottom, two sides 20, and two ends 22. The sides20 of the base 16 are generally rectangular and the ends 22 of the base16 are generally square. The first aid kit 10 of the present inventionis preferably made of a lightweight material to enable ease of carrying.In the preferred embodiment, the first aid kit 10 is made of a flexiblematerial such as nylon. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the kit10 can be made of a rigid, lightweight material such as plastic.

[0018] To further aid in carrying, the first aid kit 10 is provided witha handle 24. In the preferred embodiment, a handle 24 is provided on aside which enables the user to carry the first aid kit in a generallyhorizontal orientation. Additionally, a handle 26 can be provided on theend of the first aid kit which enables the user to carry the first aidkit in a vertical orientation. Alternatively, a shoulder strap (notshown) can be provided alone or in combination with a handle.

[0019] The top 14 is secured to the base 16 by use of a closure meansfor enabling quick access to the contents of the first aid kit 10. In apreferred embodiment, the closure means consist of a pair of zippers 28which secure the top 14 to the sides 20. A first end of the top 14 issecured to the base by a living hinge 31 integrally formed with that endof the base 16. The end of the top 14 opposite the living hinge 31 issecured to the base 16 by a hook and loop style fastener 33 contained onan over-flap 35. Thus, in use, a user simply pulls the over-flap 35 overthe top 14 thereby releasing the hook and loop fastener 33. On furtherpressure upward and rearward, the zippers 28 are automatically openedthus provided quick access to the content of the first aid kit 10, asseen in FIG. 2.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 3, the base 16 of the first aid kit 10 definesa plurality of compartments 37. Each compartment 37 is sequentiallyoriented in front of the subsequent compartment. By so orienting thecompartments 37 in this manner, a card catalogue/file cabinet likeeffect is provided in which contents can be carried in each compartment37 in an easy to identify, upright position. Additionally, in each ofthe compartments 37, flexible walls 39 are used such that contents ofdifferent thicknesses can fit into each of the compartments 37.

[0021] The contents of the first aid kit 10 include a plurality of packs40. Each of the packs 40 consist of a plastic bag 42, an instructionalcard 44, and a plurality of medical supplies provided for specific typesof first aid situations. The first aid kit 10 further contains adetailed guidebook 46 which explains the use of the medical products indifferent types of first aid situations. In a further preferredembodiment, the first aid kit 10 contains an instructional video 48which helps train the user on the use of the first aid kit 10. A card 50is provided which contains an overview of the first aid kit 10.

[0022] In addition to the individual packs targeted for different typesof first aid situations, as seen in FIG. 7, an extras pack 52 can beprovided. The extras pack 52 includes a resealable container 54 whichallows the user to store additional medical product supplies which areuseful in a variety of first aid situations, such as, for example, anice pack 56, bandages 58, ointment 60, disposable gloves 62, scissors64, and a disposal bag 66. The user can add to the extras pack 52 userspecific medical products such as, for example, asthmatic medicine forasthma sufferers, pain medication and the like.

[0023] The first aid kit further contains a magnetic card 69, whichincludes magnetic identifiers, a locator for the first aid kit, and acard having background medical information regarding family members.Further, a plurality of self-adhesive identifiers 71 are provided whichcan be placed in various locations, such as in kitchen cabinets,bathroom cabinets and the like, to quickly identify where the first aidkit 10 is stored. Still further, the guidebook 46 contains a page forthe user to fill in information about emergency numbers and particularfamily health conditions.

[0024] The packs 40 contain specific medical supplies designed forspecific types of first aid situations. In the preferred embodimentdescribed herein, the different first aid situations include breathing,bleeding, shock, head and spine, bone, eye, burn and bites and stings.An instructional card 73 is provided for each of the different types ofpacks. The instructional card 73 for each pack 40 is color coordinatedin a color unique to and different from the colors for the remainingpacks 40. In addition, the overview card 50 utilizes these colors toidentify the different packs 40 and the guidebook 46 sets forth theinstructions for each of the different types of procedures based onpages which are bordered in a coordinated color.

[0025] For example, in the preferred embodiment described herein, abreathing pack is coordinated with the color blue, the bleeding pack iscoordinated with the color red, the shock pack is coordinated with thecolor gold, the head and spine pack is coordinated with the color teal,the bone pack is coordinated with the color brown, the eye pack iscoordinated with the color navy blue, the burn pack is coordinated withorange, the bite and sting pack is coordinated with the color magenta,and the extras pack is coordinated with the color grey. In addition, theguidebook 46 contains instructions for first aid conditions in whichspecific medical products are not used, such as, for examplecardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In the preferred embodiment, theCPR instructions are color coordinated purple. Additional instructionsin the guidebook 46 include what to do if poison is ingested. The poisonis color coordinated as green. In an alternative preferred embodiment,the packs 40 contained in the compartments 37 include, in sequentialorder, instructional cards for CPR and poison.

[0026] In addition the color coordination, the packs 40, guidebook 46and overview card 50 employ icons for each of the first aid situationsaddressed. Thus, the icon for the breathing pack is a graphic depictionof the breathing channels in a human, the icon for the bleeding pack isa drop of blood, the icon for the shock pack is starburst, the icon forthe head and spine pack is a human head, the icon for the bone pack is abroken bone, the icon for the eye pack is an eye, the icon for the burnpack is a flame, the icon for the bites and stings pack is a bee, andthe icon for the extras pack is a medical bag. In addition, theguidebook 46 and instructional card 73 for CPR include an icon which isan electrocardiogram line while the guidebook 46 and instructional card73 for the poison include an icon which is a skull and crossbones.

[0027] It is a particular advantage of the present invention that theinstructional cards 73 for each pack are oriented with information inthe same area of the card 73. Thus, once familiarized with the first aidkit 10, the user knows where to find appropriate information on any ofthe cards 73. Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary instructional card 73 isseen which is made in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention. The upper edge of the card, which is visible to user when thepack is carried in the card catalogue/file cabinet type orientation ofthe carrying case, sets out an identification of the type of pack on aband 75 of the coordinated color. The sequential number 77 of the pack40 is also identified so that if the user is colorblind, the user caneasily recognize, as well as replace and reorder the packs 40 asexplained in detail below. The sequential numbers 77 are offset fromeach other, as seen in FIG. 3, to further enhance to the cardcatalogue/file cabinet like effect. Additionally, positioned underneaththe band of color coordination 75 is the icon 79 for the particular pack40. In the lower right portion of the front side of the card is aninventory 82 of the medical products in the pack 40.

[0028] Contained on the opposite side of the card 73 are instructionsfor use of the products contained in the pack 40. Again, along the upperedge of the card visible to the user when in the carrying case is a bandof the coordinated color 75. Also positioned in the upper left-handcorner of the backside of the card is the icon 79. Positioned underneaththe color coordinated band 75 is a series of step-by-step instructions84, including a series of graphical instructions, on using the contentsof the pack 40 in the care of the injured party. Positioned in the lowerright-hand corner of the instructional card 86 is a toll-free number tocall to reorder the pack 40, as explained in more detail below.

[0029] Utilizing this format, the packs 40 include contents directedtoward specific first aid situations, as well as instructional cards 73to direct the user how to use the products to care for the injuredpatient. In order to use one of the packs 40, the user opens the pack 40along a tear line 88 which is provided on the pack 40. The pack 40 isprovided sealed to maintain the sterility of the contents of the pack 40while the tear line 88 allows the user easy access to the pack 40. Inthe preferred embodiment described herein, the tear line 88 is madeaccording to the description provided in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 30,726, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, the breathing pack 91 is depicted as anexemplary example of the packs 40. The breathing pack 91 includes gauzesponges 93 which are used to clean fluid, saliva, etc. from around themouth; a mouth guard 95 to allow for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation whileavoiding mouth-to-mouth contact; and disposable medical gloves 97 toreduce contact with body fluids. The bleeding pack includes gauzesponges to control bleeding, a rolled bandage to hold gauze in place,cloth tape to hold the bandages and gauze in place, larger bandageswhich are used in combination with the bandages on larger wounds anddisposable medical gloves to reduce contact with body fluids. The shockpack includes a thermal blanket. The head and spine pack include gauzesponges to control bleeding, a rolled bandage to hold the gauze inplace, cloth tape to hold bandages in place, and disposable gloves toreduce contact with body fluids.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 6, the bone pack 100 is depicted as a furtherexemplary example of the packs 40. The bone pack includes gauze sponges102 which are used to control bleeding, rolled bandage 104 used tosecure the splint and to hold the gauze in place, cloth tape 106 used tohold the gauze and splint in place, triangular bandage 108 used to makea sling to support a broken arm around the neck, wire splint 110 used tosplint the injury, ice pack 112 used to reduce swelling and pain, andgloves 114 used to minimize contact with body fluids. The eye kitincludes an eyewash solution to rinse the eyes, rolled bandage to holdan eye pad in place on the eyes, eye pads which are placed directly overthe eyes, paper tape used to hold the eye pads and bandage in place, anice pack which is used to reduce swelling and pain, and disposablemedical gloves to reduce contact with body fluids. The burn packincludes gauze sponges to place on burns, rolled bandage to hold thegauze in place, cloth tape to hold the bandages and gauze in place, andgloves for use to reduce contact with body fluids. The bites and stingpack includes gauze bandages used to control bleeding, cloth tape tohold bandages in place, an ice pack used to reduce swelling and pain,alcohol pads to clean wound areas, tweezers to remove embedded insectparts, and disposable gloves to reduce contact with body fluids.

[0032] It is particular advantage of the present invention that once theparticular pack 40 is used to address a first aid situation, the entirefirst aid kit 10 does not have to be replaced. In particular, thepresent invention includes a method of stocking and refurbishing packs40. The kit 10 can be ordered as a standard, general purpose first aidkit. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the user can orderdifferent types of packs 40 within a kit 10 to address specific firstaid situations. For example, user may equip the first aid kit 10 withpacks 40 containing the types of injuries that are commonly associatedwith automobile accidents. Alternatively, the user can equip the firstaid kit 10 with packs 40 particularly suited for boating accidents,camping accidents, and the like. After use of one of the packs 40, theuser simply calls a toll-free number, specifies the type of pack 40 thathas been used and reorders the pack 40 to again complete the first aidkit.

[0033] It should be understood that various changes and modificationspreferred in to the embodiment described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout demising its attendance advantages. It is therefore intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A first aid kit comprising: a carrying casedefining an interior which includes means for providing quick access tothe interior, the carrying case having a plurality of compartments in acard catalogue/file cabinet-like array; a plurality of packs, each packbeing designated by a descriptive label, each pack containing first aidproducts for different types of first aid situations, each packcontaining more than one type of first aid product, and a plurality ofpacks containing a first aid product that is at least partiallyduplicative of the first aid product of another pack; the plurality ofpacks having a similar shape, length and width and having variablethicknesses, the packs being sized and shaped to fit into thecompartments of the carrying case; and an instructional card within eachpack, the instructional card having a corresponding label with the packand bearing instructions for use of the contents within the pack for thefirst aid situation described on the label.
 2. The first aid kit ofclaim 1 further wherein the corresponding label between theinstructional card and the pack is designated a color which is differentthan the colors designated to the remaining corresponding labels ofinstructional cards and packs.
 3. The first aid kit of claim 2 furthercomprising a guidebook, the guidebook includes instructions regardingthe products contained in each pack, the guidebook is color coordinatedwith the packs such that the instructions which correspond to theproducts appropriate for a particular first aid situation of a pack arefound on pages of the guidebook which have a matching color to the pack.4. The first aid kit of claim 3 further wherein the instructionscontained in the guidebook are set forth in graphical depictions toguide the user in the use of the first aid products.
 5. The first aidkit of claim 1 further wherein the corresponding label between theinstructional card and the pack is designated by an icon which isdifferent than the icons designated to the remaining correspondinglabels of instructional cards and packs.
 6. The first aid kit of claim 5further comprising a guidebook, the guidebook includes instructionsregarding the products contained in each pack, the guidebook is iconcoordinated with the packs such that the instructions which correspondto the products appropriate for a particular first aid situation of apack are found on pages of the guidebook which have a matching icon. 7.The first aid kit of claim 6 further wherein the instructions containedin the guidebook are set forth in graphical depictions to guide the userin the use of the first aid products.
 8. The first aid kit of claim 1further wherein the instructional cards within each pack are set forthin graphical depictions to guide the user in the use of the first aidproducts.
 9. The first aid kit of claim 1 wherein the quick access meanscomprise a pair of zippers and a hook and loop fastener.
 10. The firstaid kit of claim 1 wherein the products for the management of first aidsituations are selected from the group consisting of products for themanagement of a breathing first aid situation, products for themanagement of a bleeding first aid situation, products for themanagement of a shock first aid situation, products for the managementof a head and spine first aid situations, products for the management ofbone first aid situations, products for the management of burn first aidsituations, products for the management of eye first aid situations,products for the management of bites and stings first aid situations,and combinations thereof.